Page 17 - Mississippi/Louisiana Gaming News - Fall, 2022

“I have watched this industry grow from small paddle-
wheel boats to the tremendous properties with amenities
that compare to any gaming jurisdiction in the country,
and I have seen the industry provide needed jobs for people that allowed them to stay in Mississippi and provide for their families. The industry has provided revenue not only to the state, but
to counties and municipalities, and many civic and charitable organizations, so I can say that I am in awe of the industry as a whole and the resilience of the industry given all the challenges they have faced.”
Allen Godfrey, Deputy Director Mississippi Gaming & Hospitality Association
“My congratulations to the Mississippi gaming industry on three decades of providing world-class entertainment, serving as an economic engine and solidifying itself as a top U.S. market. Mississippi gaming has proved its resilience time and time again and been a big part of gaming’s remarkable comeback over the past two years. I am excited to watch gaming in Mississippi continue to grow and positively impact local communities in the state for years to come.”
Bill Miller, President & CEO American Gaming Association
“Through the 30 years that gaming has been on the Coast, the thing that really stands out to me is the level
of community involvement. From
the very beginning with the Isle of Capri until today, the leadership
and employees with the various casino gaming companies have been so heavily engaged in the Coast’s nonprofits, schools, youth sports,
and philanthropy in general. This includes not only donations, but board leadership, volunteerism and in-kind
support. This ‘caring for the community’ attitude has truly impacted the Coast for the better.
The week
the Isle of
Capri opened
(in 1992), I
went to the buffet twice along with so many Coast residents and visitors
as we were so impressed by the experience. As each property opened over the years, the buzz around the grand opening and the new amenities each property offered was exciting for residents and visitors alike. I just remember that feeling was ‘we just can’t get there fast enough’ to see what each new property brought to the market.”
Adele Lyons, Chief Executive Office Mississippi Gulf Coast Chamber of Commerce
“I came into the industry in 1997, going to work for the Mississippi Gaming Commission right out of college. At that time it was still a young market, but the growth was fast and dynamic. I recall that when I came in we were in a transition period from the smaller barges and vessels that started
the gaming industry here to the larger, more permanent structures we see today.
The Grand Casino properties in Biloxi, Gulfport and Tunica were new and fresh. Mirage Resorts was putting together the plans for the Beau Rivage, which opened in 1999 as the largest casino property outside of Las Vegas at the time. Tunica was growing considerably and was soon the largest market in the country behind Las Vegas and Atlantic City at the time.
During all of this, what I recall was how much the industry benefitted from a legislative and regulatory environment that adapted to allow more than just a vision of small riverboats. The infrastructure requirements that past commissioners put in place to encourage permanent development were key to creating a strong, stable environment.
I left the commission before Hurricane Katrina, but when
I came back in 2011 and saw how strong the gaming environment still was, I could see just how much it meant that the state was willing to work with the industry to stabilize when needed. Despite hurricanes, floods, economic recessions and pandemics, the gaming industry in Mississippi has remained strong. I give credit for that to those that crafted the statutes and regulations that we have in place today, and to the companies that were willing to take a chance on investing in a product here and that continue to do so today.”
Jay McDaniel, Executive Director Mississippi Gaming Commission
“When I think back on 30
years of gaming in Mississippi,
I honestly think about all the
opportunities a gaming career
has brought not only to me
but to others in Mississippi.
When gaming was approved
I was beginning to look for
another career — a career that
hopefully would keep me close
to home. Luckily, I got a job in
my hometown of Vicksburg, Mississippi, and I was able to establish a new career, learn a lot about gaming and make tons of new friends. Overall, it has been a great experience.”
Mickey Fedell, Player Development Manager Bally’s Vicksburg
“The growth of the Gulf Coast, despite Hurricane Katrina, is what stands out the most to me over the past 30 years. From the original riverboats in 1992, to floating vessels and now land- based structures, the gaming industry has contributed so much to South Mississippi and continues to do so.”
Kathy Santiago, Director of Player Relations & Business Development Island View Casino Resort
FALL 2022
MISSISSIPPI GAMING NEWS 17